Saturday Night Smackdown

This Saturday

FRANK – Austin, TX

6:00pm – 10:00pm

September 29: National Coffee Day

It’s official.  Click Here.

(click to see full size picture for printing)

Also, if you are a consumer and you post videos of coffee industry news or establishments, you are welcome to be added as well.

The hope is that this new feature can help connect Texas Coffee People who use YouTube together in an effort to further develop the specialty coffee community in Texas.  (as usual)

We would also love to post a promotional video for your event, shop, roasterie, or other related subject matter to our channel, if you would like.  Just let us know via our Contact page.  We’d be glad to hear from you.

It’s big.  It’s bright.  It’s hot.   Right now, it’s taking it all out on us.

It’s the middle of June, and while it’s not officially summer, you probably wouldn’t know it from stepping outside.

Here in Lubbock, we’ve seen a massive increase in cold and blended beverage sales, and a nose-dive in hot espresso sales.  Like any season, summer is an opportunity to turn a changing demand into an increase in sales.

There are a number of things to implement as “limited time” products, such as shakeratos, affogato, and other common menu items, but why limit yourself?

There is an abundance of seasonal fruit available these days.  Why not make use of them?  Syrups are the common go-to item for many “signature drink” categories,but it doesn’t have to be this way!

Why not try adding blueberries to an iced blended latte made with a single origin Harrar or Sidamo espresso?  Or why not add a hint of mango  to a shakerato made with a chocolate-and-fruit noted espresso?

These are just off the top of my head, but I know there are LOTS of creative drinks out there, and we want to hear about YOUR ideas.  We’d like to hear from customers as well as baristas, on this one.

(photo source)

Do you find yourself muttering this while leaving a coffee retailer? I have. Recently, too. Friends, it simply should not be this way. But… at least the coffee was drinkable today.

Have a Great Weekend!

http://www.barbco.biz/

Animated version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YdcqSAtEn6s

Opening Bell Coffee - Dallas, TX

I received an email over the weekend letting us know about Opening Bell Coffee from Pascale.  He writes,

Hi guys! Love your website and would like to be listed as a coffee retailer in Texas. We are actually celebrating our 6th year in business on March 15 We have 2 locations in Dallas, TX! Thanks so much, Pascale

So, this is the first time I’ve heard of this place, but apparently they were voted Best Liquid Assets(2005), Best Coffee House(2006), and Best Atmosphere(2006) by the Dallas Observer, and Best Coffee House(2007) by D Magazine.

The Dallas Observer website has a description that reads:

Formerly Standard and Pours. What started as a yuppie coffee haunt in 2003 has turned into a pretty happening live music spot for acoustic bands and singer-songwriter types. Adding beer and wine didn’t hurt. New are DJs on Wednesday nights.

The description reminds me of what Ruta Maya was trying to do in San Antonio before they closed (I never did visit the original Austin location, so I can’t comment on that).

The have directions to their location, which you can find on their Website.

Opening Bell Coffee has been added to our List of Retailers.

Opening Bell Coffee (Southside)

1409 S. Lamar Suite #012 (Basement #012)
Free Parking on Belleview Street entrance
Dallas, Texas 75215
Phone 214.565.0383

Opening Bell Coffee (Mosaic)

300 North Akard #300
Dallas, Tx  75201
Phone 214-665-BELL (2355)

As taken from a Facebook message:

NOW OPEN!!!

Business Hours:

Monday – Thursday 6:30am – 9pm
Friday 6:30am – 11pm
Saturday 7am – 11pm
Sunday 9am – 3pm

Come check us out!

The Pearl Cup
1900 N. Henderson Ave
(On the corner of Henderson Ave and McMillan Ave)



The Pearl Cup is running coffee from Coffee Eiland (no website.. get on that, Clay!) in Dallas, along with Mazzer grinders and a La Marzocco Linea.  Allegedly, they are offering single origin espresso.  At least, that’s what I’ve heard.
The setup (La Marzocco + Mazzer + Coffee Eiland) REALLY reminds me of Gachet Coffee Lounge downtown near the House of Blues.  I was not impressed with the coffee at Gachet, but I’m guessing inconsistency is the fault that plagues us all (including Gachet), as what is to blame.  It wasn’t bad, but I felt it could have been better.

But, this is a whole new beast, headed by a band of three friends bent on bringing better coffee to Dallas. (or so it seems)

They have a website, which can be found at http://thepearlcup.com, and a page on Facebook. (link on their website)

The Pearl Cup has been added to our List of Retailers.

The Pearl Cup

1900 N. Henderson Ave
Dallas, TX 75206

(On the corner of Henderson Ave and McMillan Ave)